Tinubu Orders Comprehensive Reform of Nigerian Football

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s football system, citing repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.

The directive, contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, requires the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.

President Tinubu said the reform was necessary to address structural weaknesses within Nigerian football and ensure that the country’s talent, passion and resources are matched with stronger institutions and sustained performance.

“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” the President said.

The President also directed that the reform process should include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework.

The directive comes amid leadership changes at the NFF, with NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi resigning on Thursday. The NFF confirmed the resignations in an official statement.

The reform is expected to provide a framework for strengthening the administration and development of Nigerian football.